To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to review the Widdecombe definition of politically restricted posts. [39869]

[holding answer 29 April 1998]: The Government are firmly committed to the principle of political impartiality among senior and other front line public servants. In our consultation paper, "Modernising Local Government—A new ethical framework", a copy of which was sent to all hon. Members on 7 April, we are inviting views on an approach we are proposing for designating posts as politically restricted, and in particular on the level of any salary threshold.